Trilliums and Sharp-Lobed Hepatica

(Question)

Is it ok to plant now trilliums and hepaticas that were bought at the NANPS sale at the TBG last weekend? The trilliums are starting to open.

(Answer)

Yes, now (i.e. May) is a great time to plant trillium (Trillium spp.) and sharp-lobed hepatica (Anemone acutiloba) plants that you purchased at the native plant sale. Both flower in the spring, but this should not deter you from planting, as it’s best to get them in the ground while temperatures are still on the cooler side and their rhizomes/roots can start to become established before the hotter months of summer.

Be sure to choose a suitable site, which, for both plants, would ideally be an area that is in partial to full shade. Both plants grow best in rich, moist but well-drained soil with lots of organic matter. Adding compost to your planting area will assist with enriching the soil and improving both moisture retention and drainage, as will adding a mulch layer of shredded leaves. Be sure to water them in well after planting, monitor soil moisture and provide supplemental water if there are dry spells during the summer.